Exercise treadmill for simulating pushing and pulling actions and exercise method therefor

ABSTRACT

An exercise treadmill having an endless exercise surface for walking or running while exercising, a resistance mechanism for providing a resistance for simulating the pushing or pulling of a load, wherein the resistance can be adjusted and set to a specific resistance setting. A movable pushing and pulling means is or are operatively attached to the resistance mechanism to transfer the load to the user. The resistance mechanism applies a constant and static force to the pushing and pulling means only in the same direction the endless movable surface moves and opposite a pushing or pulling direction such that operating the treadmill simulates the pushing or pulling of a load by a combination of gripping and pushing or pulling and moving the pushing and pulling means forward or backwards while walking or running forward or backwards.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/716,066 having a filing date of 2 Mar. 2010, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/261,651 havinga filing date of 16 Nov. 2009 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/579,440 having a filing date of 15 Oct. 2009, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/667,758 having a 371(c) filing date of 13 Dec.2010, which claims the benefit of International Patent Application No.PCT/US2007/072956 having an international filing date of 6 Jul. 2007,all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by thisreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to the general technical field of exercise,physical fitness and physical therapy equipment and machines and to themore specific technical field of treadmills that can be operated in aforward and/or rearward walking and running mode to simulate pushing andpulling exercises. This invention also relates to the more specifictechnical field of using a resistance mechanism to generate a constantstatic resistance for simulating the pushing and pulling of a load,which resistance can be adjusted (increased and decreased) by the userwhile exercising.

2. Prior Art

Exercise, physical fitness and physical therapy equipment and machinesare available in various configurations and for various purposes, andare available for all of the major muscle groups. The majority of suchequipment and machines, especially in the exercise field, concentrateeither on an aerobic or anaerobic workout or on areas of the body suchas the legs, the hips and lower torso, the chest and upper torso, theback, the shoulders and the arms.

Exercise treadmills are well known and are used for various purposes,including for walking or running aerobic-type exercises, and fordiagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For the known and common purposes,the person (user) on the exercise treadmill normally can perform anexercise routine at a relatively steady and continuous level of physicalactivity, such as by maintaining a constant walking or running velocityand a constant incline, or at a variable level of physical exercise,such as by varying either or both the velocity and incline of thetreadmill during a single session.

Exercise treadmills typically have an endless running surface extendingbetween and around movable rollers or pulleys at each end of thetreadmill. The running surface generally is a relatively thinrubber-like material driven by a motor rotating one of the rollers orpulleys. The speed of the motor is adjustable by the user or by acomputer program so that the level of exercise can be adjusted tosimulate running or walking.

The endless running surface, generally referred to as a belt, typicallyis supported along its upper length between the rollers or pulleys byone of several well known designs in order to support the weight of theuser. The most common approach is to provide a deck or support surfacebeneath the belt, such as a plastic, wood or metal panel, to provide therequired support. A low-friction sheet or laminate, such as TEFLON®brand of synthetic resinous fluorine-containing polymers, can beprovided on the deck surface (or indeed can be the material ofconstruction of the deck surface) to reduce the friction between thedeck surface and the belt.

Many current exercise treadmills, especially the middle to upperquality, also have the ability to provide an adjustable incline to thetreadmill. The incline is accomplished in one of two manners—either theentire apparatus is inclined or just the walking and running surface isinclined. Further, the inclination can be accomplished by either manualor power driven inclination systems, and can be accomplished either atthe command of the user or as part of a computerized exercise regimenprogrammed into the exercise treadmill. An inclination takes advantageof the fact that the exercise effort, or aerobic effect, can be variedwith changes in inclination, requiring more exertion on the part of theuser when the inclination is greater.

Most known exercise treadmills are structured to allow the user to walkor run in a forward direction, with the belt traveling in a directionthat simulates walking or running forward; that is, the belt runs acrossthe top of the deck in a front to back motion. Additionally, theinclination mechanisms in most exercise treadmills are structured toallow the user to walk or run in a level or uphill inclination; that is,the front of the deck can be level with the back of the deck or can beraised relative to the back of the deck to simulate an uphillinclination. Further, the hand rails and controls in most exercisetreadmills are structured to compliment simulated forward motion and arefixedly attached to the treadmill base.

A specialty treadmill developed by this inventor and patented under U.S.Pat. No. 7,575,537 is structured to allow the user to comfortablysimulate a pulling or dragging motion; that is, a backwards walkingmotion either on a level plane or uphill. This exercise treadmill thatprovides a constant static weight resistance against pushing so as tosimulate pushing of a load, which weight resistance can be varied(increased and decreased) by the user. This simulated pulling ordragging motion can be useful for exercising and developing differentgroupings of muscles and for providing an aerobic workout.

However, with the exception of this inventor's invention, this inventoris unaware of any specific exercise treadmill that is structured toallow the user to comfortably simulate both a load-pushing motion; thatis, a forwards walking motion while simulating pushing a load, either ona level plane or uphill, and a load-pulling motion; that is, a rearwardswalking motion while simulating pulling a load, either on a level planeor uphill. Additionally, with the exception of this inventor'sinvention, this inventor is unaware of any specific exercise treadmillthat provides a constant static weight resistance to simulate both thepushing and the pulling of a load, which weight resistance can be varied(increased and decreased) by the user during the exercise regimen. Asimulated pushing motion can be useful for exercising and developingdifferent groupings of muscles of both the upper and lower body and forproviding an aerobic workout. Thus it can be seen that an exercisetreadmill simulating both a pushing motion and a pulling motion would beuseful, novel and not obvious, and a significant improvement over theprior art. It is to such an exercise treadmill that the currentinvention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a cardiovascular cross training device thataddresses many needs not met with the current industry offering oftreadmills, elliptical devices, stationary bicycles, and stair climbingdevices. Walking and running is incorporated into the fitness andphysical rehabilitation programs prescribed by many professional fitnesstrainers, physical therapists, sports medicine professionals andstrength and conditioning professionals. Additionally, many athletes useweight loaded sled pushing and pulling to augment their lower bodystrength training as well as their overall aerobic and anaerobicconditioning programs. Adding the additional load factor of horizontalresistance (that is, a simulated pushing or pulling motion) and theenergy expenditure and muscle loading to the lower body is increased.This increased energy output allows an individual to achieve andmaintain their desired heart rate walking or running at a fraction ofthe speed of any forward walking or running motion oriented exercisethat does not incorporate pushing or pulling a load. The presentinvention combines these features in a versatile cross training device.

The present invention is an exercise treadmill for simulating thepushing and pulling of an object on a level surface, up an incline ordown a decline. The treadmill has a lower base having the treadmillsurface and housing the internal mechanical components of the walkingplatform, a movable resistance handle, a fixed console support structureon which at least one pushing and pulling means is attached, and aresistance mechanism located proximal to the console support structure.Various control switches and displays for operating the invention can belocated on the pushing and pulling means and/or the console supportstructure. In one embodiment, the resistance mechanism can beoperatively connected to the pushing and pulling means via a cable. Inanother embodiment, the resistance mechanism can be operativelyconnected to the pushing and pulling means by levers, rods, or the like.In yet another embodiment, the resistance mechanism can be operativelydirectly connected to the pushing and pulling means. In anotherembodiment, the pushing and pulling means can be operatively attached tothe resistance mechanism via a cable or other linking means that canpass through and can be operatively supported by the side supportstructures and/or the console support structure.

In the pushing operation, when a user steps onto the treadmill and gripsthe pushing and pulling means and starts the treadmill belt moving, theuser begins to walk or run in a forwards direction relative to theconsole support structure, causing the user to push on and move thepushing and pulling means in a pushing direction. Alternatively, thetreadmill may be set up to begin to move automatically at a speed and atan inclination according to a value entered from the input means locatedon the pushing and pulling means or on the control console. This pushingtransfers from the pushing and pulling means, to the main cable or otherconnecting linkages and/or cables, which is or are operatively connectedto the resistance mechanism, thus acting on the resistance mechanism. Asdisclosed above, the action of the pushing and pulling means on theresistance mechanism can be by many means, such as cables, wires, rods,levers, gears, or the like, directly or indirectly, and structurallyattached or in cooperative communication.

In the pulling operation, when a user steps onto the treadmill and gripsthe pushing and pulling means and starts the treadmill belt moving, theuser begins to walk or run in a rearwards direction relative to theconsole support structure, causing the user to pull on and move thepushing and pulling means in a pulling direction. Alternatively, thetreadmill may be set up to begin to move automatically at a speed and atan inclination according to a value entered from the input means locatedon the pushing and pulling means or on the control console. This pullingtransfers from the pushing and pulling means, to the main cable or otherconnecting linkages and/or cables, which is or are operatively connectedto the resistance mechanism, thus acting on the resistance mechanism. Asdisclosed above, the action of the pushing and pulling means on theresistance mechanism can be by many means, such as cables, wires, rods,levers, gears, or the like, directly or indirectly, and structurallyattached or in cooperative communication.

The resistance mechanism can be set by the user to a specific amount,such as for example 10 kilograms, comparable to known resistancemechanisms such as weight stacks. Thus, when the user pushes on thepushing and pulling means, the resistance mechanism exerts acounterforce on the user of the set weight, 10 kilograms in thisexample. The counterforce is static and approximately constant at theset weight or level throughout the entire range of movement of thepushing and pulling means, except in some embodiments at the very startof the range of motion when the resistance mechanism is resting on astop. That is, the resistance mechanism exerts a counterforce on theuser of the set weight, 10 kilograms in this example, or level whetherthe user has pushed or pulled the pushing and pulling means a smallerdistance or a larger distance, and this set resistance is static andapproximately constant, at 10 kilograms in this example, unless theresistance mechanism is reset to a different amount. Thus, the degree ofresistance of the resistance mechanism can be controlled by the user tosimulate pushing or pulling a weight such that the exercise regimen issimilar to walking or running forwards or backwards while pushing orpulling, respectively, an object of a weight comparable to the settingof the resistance mechanism. The higher the setting of the resistancemechanism, the heavier the simulated object being pushed or pulled. Thedegree of resistance also is adjustable in that the user can set thespecific amount of resistance to any amount within the parameters of theresistance mechanism structure prior to and during the exercise regimen,depending on the embodiment of the invention, with slight variationsbased on the position of the pushing and pulling means. The degree ofresistance can be set prior to starting the exercise regimen or duringthe exercise regimen. Further, the degree of resistance can be changed(increased, decreased, eliminated) by the user during the course of theexercise regimen.

In a preferred embodiment, the resistance mechanism is a moment armmechanism comprising a moment arm, an adjustable weight, and a drivemechanism for moving the adjustable weight relative to or along themoment arm. As the adjustable weight is adjusted along the moment armrelative to a pivot point of the moment arm, the weight resistance ofthe moment arm is increased or decreased, thus simulating the pushing ofvarious or varying load weights. The moment arm is operatively connectedto the pushing and pulling means via drive cables, thus transferring theweight resistance effect to the user. Thus, when the user pushes orpulls on the pushing and pulling means, so as to activate the momentarm, the moment arm creates a constant and static counterforceequivalent to the specific weight amount set by the user.

In one embodiment, there can be a single pushing and pulling means, suchas a movable console slidably mounted on the console structure that isoperatively connected to the resistance mechanism, or a single pushingbar that is operatively connected to the resistance mechanism and thatconnects to either side of the treadmill to form a horizontal bar orhandle in front of the user that can be pushed forward or pulledbackwards. In other embodiments, the pushing and pulling means can berigidly attached to the console structure and the console structure ismovable (pivotable or slidable, for example) such that when the pushingand pulling means is moved, the entire console structure moves toactivate the resistance mechanism.

In other embodiments, the resistance mechanism is a pneumatic mechanismcomprising a pneumatic cylinder, an air compressor, and variousconnecting hoses. In known pneumatic mechanisms, the resistance of thepneumatic cylinder can be set to certain values corresponding to a knownresistance by the setting of the compressor (the higher the pressure ofthe compressed air produced by the compressor, the higher the resistanceof the pneumatic cylinder, and the higher the equivalent resistance).Similarly, the resistance mechanism can be a hydraulic cylinder and theair a fluid.

In still other embodiments, the resistance mechanism is an electricmotor and braking system comprising an electric motor and a clutchassembly. In known systems of this type, the electric motor imparts aforce through the brake, which can correspond to a known resistance bythe power supplied to the motor or to the brake. Pushing or pulling onthe pushing and pulling means causes a force in a rotational directioncounter to the rotational direction of the motor and brake, creating acounterforce that can be measured in an equivalent weight resistance.Thus, in other embodiments, the resistance mechanism does not need to beweight-based.

The invention also can be a combination of a conventional treadmill forforward or rearward walking and running and the pushing and pullingmotion treadmill. In such treadmills, the lower base housing thetreadmill belt motor and the weight resistance mechanism can be arelatively larger structure sitting under and supporting the treadmillor a relatively smaller structure from which the treadmill belt andplatform extend. In the first instance, the elevation motor or means forraising and lowering the treadmill belt platform for incline and declineoperation can be located within the lower base housing. In the secondinstance, the elevation motor or means can be located in a separaterelatively smaller structure attached to the end of the treadmillplatform opposite the end of the treadmill platform attached to thelower base housing.

Generally speaking, the internal mechanical components of the treadmillare similar to (or can be similar to or the same as) the internalmechanical components of known treadmills. The treadmill comprises anendless belt looped about rollers or pulleys so as to provide a platformon which the user can stand, walk and/or run. A deck below a portion ofthe belt supports the belt and the user. A belt motor cooperates withthe belt and/or the rollers or pulleys to move the belt, thus creating amoving platform on which the user can walk or run for the exerciseregimen. An incline motor cooperates with the platform, the deck, therollers or pulleys, the front support legs, and/or the rear support legsto incline the belt to simulate a hill.

These features, and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart when the following detailed description of the preferred embodimentsis read in conjunction with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view, partly in section, of one embodiment of theinvention with the moment arm weight resistance mechanism locatedcentrally in the support console.

FIG. 2A is a left side view, partly in section, of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 shown in the resting mode.

FIG. 2B is a right side view, partly in section, of the embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIG. 1 shown in the resting mode.

FIG. 3A is a left side view, partly in section, of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 shown in the resistance mode.

FIG. 3B is a right side view, partly in section, of the embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIG. 1 shown in the resistance mode.

FIG. 4 is a front view, partly in section, of one embodiment of theinvention with the moment arm weight resistance mechanism located on theside of the support console.

FIG. 5 is a side view, partly in section, of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 4 shown in the resting mode.

FIG. 6 is a side view, partly in section, of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 4 shown in the resistance mode.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a moment arm weightresistance mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the moment arm weight resistance mechanism shownin FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the moment arm weight resistancemechanism shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with themoment arm weight resistance mechanism located between the consolesupport uprights and in the resting position and with the weight in afirst, lesser weight, position.

FIG. 11 is a second perspective view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 with a user gripping the pushing handles but with the invention inthe resting mode.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 with a user gripping the pushing handles and using the invention inthe pushing mode.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 showing resistance mechanism in the resting mode.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 showing resistance mechanism in the resting mode.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 showing resistance mechanism in a partially raised operating mode.

FIG. 17 is front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 showing resistance mechanism in a fully raised operating mode.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of representativecontrols incorporated onto pushing handles for the invention.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a user using the invention in a typicaltreadmill manner.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention having asingle pushing bar.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention having pivotinguprights in the resting position.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 in theoperating position.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention having slidinguprights in the resting position.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 in theoperating position.

FIG. 25 is a side view, partly in section, of a pneumatic resistancemechanism in the resting position.

FIG. 26 is a side view, partly in section, of the pneumatic resistancemechanism shown in FIG. 25 in a partially extended resistance position.

FIG. 27 is a front view, partly in section, of an electric motor andbraking resistance mechanism.

FIG. 28 is a perspective left side front view of an embodiment of theinvention having a sliding pushing and pulling console.

FIG. 29 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in theneutral position with the load resting.

FIG. 30 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in thepulling position in which the load is engaged.

FIG. 31 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in thepushing position in which the load is engaged.

FIG. 32 is a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in theneutral position with the load resting.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an embodiment of theinvention having independent handles.

FIG. 34 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 shown in thepushing position with the load engaged.

FIG. 35 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 shown in thepulling position with the load engaged.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an embodiment of theinvention having a single handle.

FIG. 37 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 shown in thepushing position with the load engaged.

FIG. 38 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 shown in thepulling position with the load engaged.

FIG. 39 is a perspective left side view of an embodiment of theinvention having a pivoting pushing and pulling console.

FIG. 40 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 39 shown in theneutral position with the load resting.

FIG. 41 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 39 shown in thepushing position in which the load is engaged.

FIG. 42 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 39 shown in thepulling position in which the load is engaged.

FIG. 43 is an end perspective view, partly in section, of an embodimentof the invention having stationary uprights and a sliding console in theneutral or resting position.

FIG. 44 is a side perspective view, partly in section, of the embodimentshown in FIG. 43 in the neutral or resting position.

FIG. 45 is a side perspective view, partly in section, in greater detailof the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 in the neutral or resting position.

FIG. 46 is a side perspective view, partly in section, of the embodimentshown in FIG. 43 in the pushing position.

FIG. 47 is a side perspective view, partly in section, in greater detailof the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 in the pushing position.

FIG. 48 is a side perspective view, partly in section, of the embodimentshown in FIG. 43 in the pulling position.

FIG. 49 is a side perspective view, partly in section, in greater detailof the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 in the pulling position.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an overlay of therepresentative controls incorporated onto the movable console for theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the appended figures, the invention will be describedin connection with representative embodiments. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate twoembodiments of the invention structured with a moment arm or modifiedmoment arm as the exemplary resistance mechanism and illustrating therelationship between the various major components of the device. FIGS.1-3 illustrate a modified moment arm weight resistance mechanism locatedbetween the console support uprights and FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a momentarm weight resistance mechanism located on the side of the inventionnext to the support console. FIG. 1 is a front view of the centermounted moment arm embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of thecenter mounted moment arm embodiment in the resting mode. FIGS. 3A and3B are side views of the center mounted moment arm embodiment in theresistance mode. FIG. 4 is a front view of the side mounted moment armembodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view of the side mounted moment armembodiment in the resting mode. FIG. 6 is a side view of the sidemounted moment arm embodiment in the resistance mode.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the modified moment arm in more detail. FIG. 7 is aperspective view of a preferred embodiment of a modified moment armweight resistance mechanism in which the moment arm is raised andlowered by a cable attached to the arcing end of the moment arm. FIG. 8is a top view of the moment arm weight resistance mechanism shown inFIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the moment arm weightresistance mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention as shownin FIGS. 1-3 with the moment arm weight resistance mechanism locatedbetween the console support uprights and in the resting position andwith the weight in a first, lesser weight, position. FIG. 11 is similarto FIG. 10, but from a different angle. FIG. 12 is a side view of theembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 in the resting mode. FIG.13 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 inthe operating or resistance mode.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 showing resistance mechanism in the resting mode. FIG. 15 is a topview of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 showingresistance mechanism in the resting mode. FIG. 16 is a front view of theembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 showing resistancemechanism in a partially raised operating or resistance mode. FIG. 17 isfront view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 with theresistance mechanism in a fully raised operating or resisting mode. Theseries of FIGS. 14, 15, and 17 illustrate the action of the cable inraising the moment arm weight resistance mechanism as the pushinghandles are pushed by the user U.

FIGS. 1-3 and 10-17 all illustrate a center mount embodiment of theinvention. This embodiment also can operate using a true moment arm.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a control scheme for a representativeset of pushing handles for the invention.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a user using the invention in a typicaltreadmill manner without engaging the pushing mode.

FIGS. 20-24 illustrate several additional exemplary embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of theinvention having a pushing bar pivotally connected to both console arms.FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention having pivotinguprights in the resting position in which the uprights and consolepivot. FIG. 22 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 in theoperating or resisting position. FIG. 23 is a side view of an embodimentof the invention having sliding uprights in the resting position inwhich the uprights and console slide. FIG. 24 is a side view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 23 in the operating position. In FIGS. 21-24,the pushing handle(s) or pushing bar is rigidly attached to the consolearms such that pushing on the pushing handle(s) or pushing bar causesthe entire console structure to pivot (FIGS. 21 and 22) or slide (FIGS.23 and 24).

FIG. 25 is a side view, partly in section, of a pneumatic or hydraulicresistance mechanism in the resting position. FIG. 26 is a side view,partly in section, of the pneumatic or hydraulic resistance mechanism ina partially extended resistance position. FIG. 27 is a front view,partly in section, of an electric motor clutch brake resistancemechanism.

FIG. 28 is a perspective left side front view of an embodiment of theinvention having a sliding pushing and pulling console that allows theuser to engage in both pushing and pulling exercise regimens. FIG. 29 isa left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in the neutralposition with the load in a resting position. FIG. 30 is a left sideview of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in the pulling position in whichthe load is engaged. FIG. 31 is a left side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 28 shown in the pushing position in which the load is engaged. FIG.32 is a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in theneutral position with the load resting.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an embodiment of theinvention having independent handles attached to a rigid console thatallow the user to engage in both pushing and pulling exercise regimensby pushing and/or pulling on the handles. FIG. 34 is a left side view ofthe embodiment of FIG. 33 shown in the pushing position with the loadengaged. FIG. 35 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 shownin the pulling position with the load engaged.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an embodiment of theinvention having a single handle attached to a rigid console that allowsthe user to engage in both pushing and pulling exercise regimens bypushing or pulling on the handle. FIG. 37 is a left side view of theembodiment of FIG. 36 shown in the pushing position with the loadengaged. FIG. 38 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 shownin the pulling position with the load engaged.

FIG. 39 is a perspective left side view of an embodiment of theinvention having a pivoting pushing and pulling console that allows theuser to engage in both pushing and pulling exercise regimens by pushingor pulling on the console. FIG. 40 is a left side view of the embodimentof FIG. 39 shown in the neutral position with the load resting. FIG. 41is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 39 shown in the pushingposition in which the load is engaged. FIG. 42 is a left side view ofthe embodiment of FIG. 39 shown in the pulling position in which theload is engaged.

FIGS. 43-50 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention withstationary uprights and with a movable console. FIG. 43 is an endperspective view of this embodiment, FIG. 44 is a side perspective viewof this embodiment, and FIG. 45 is a side perspective view in greaterdetail of this embodiment in the neutral or resting position. FIG. 46 isa side perspective view of this embodiment and FIG. 47 is a sideperspective view in greater detail of this embodiment in the pushingposition. FIG. 48 is a side perspective view of this embodiment and FIG.49 is a side perspective view in greater detail of this embodiment inthe pulling position. FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an embodiment ofan overlay showing representative controls incorporated onto the movableconsole for the invention.

Throughout this specification, the terms operating mode and resistingmode will be used interchangeably. For example, when the invention isbeing used in the pushing or pulling exercise regimen, it is consideredto be in the operating mode or the resisting mode, with the resistancemechanism providing pushing or pulling resistance to the user. Alsothroughout this specification, the resistance mechanism generally willbe referred to generically as a resistance mechanism, which includesweight resistance mechanisms, hydraulic resistance mechanisms,electronic resistance mechanisms, motor-brake resistance mechanisms, andthe alternatives and equivalents. Also throughout this specification,the terms pushing and pulling means, pushing means, pushing handle,pulling means, pulling handle, handle, handles, and movable console willbe used to designate general or specific embodiments of the means thatthe user manipulates to activate the resistance mechanism, beingdesignated by the reference numerals 16 or 212.

FIGS. 1-27 generally illustrate a pushing embodiment of the invention.FIGS. 28-49 generally illustrate a pushing and pulling embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 1-3 and 10-17 all illustrate one embodiment of the inventionshowing a center mounted modified moment arm weight resistancemechanism. A true moment arm can be substituted for the modified momentarm with only minor engineering changes well within the skill level of aperson of ordinary skill in the relevant art. FIGS. 4-6 all illustrateanother embodiment of the invention showing a side mounted moment armweight resistance mechanism. A modified moment arm can be substitutedfor the true moment arm with only minor engineering changes well withinthe skill level of a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Manyof the remaining figures are generally applicable to both embodiments.

FIGS. 1-3 are views of one embodiment of the invention structured with amodified moment arm as the exemplary resistance mechanism andillustrating the relationship between the various major components ofthe device. Treadmill 10 has a lower base 12 housing the internalmechanical components of treadmill 10. Projecting upwardly from base 12is console support structure 200 to which moment arm 314 is pivotallyconnected or supported. Pushing arm 14, on which pushing handle 16 ismounted, is operatively connected to moment arm 314, which is part ofresistance mechanism 300.

Console support structure 200 preferably is fixedly attached to base 12and comprises two uprights 210 that are secured to base 12 at or alongthe sides of base 12 at points proximal to the front end of base 12.Console 212 extends generally horizontally between uprights 210 andpreferably is located at or proximal to the top of uprights 210. Thus,console 212 in a preferred embodiment is fixedly attached to consolesupport structure 200 and in one embodiment is unmovable or at least notmovable as part of the exercise regimen. The combination of consolesupport structure 200, uprights, 210 and the various structuralcomponents thereof also are referred to as the frame.

Moment arm 314 extends generally horizontally between uprights 210 andcan be pivotally attached to one upright 210, thus allowing moment arm314 to pivot upwards and downwards generally between uprights 210. Rodsupports 253 comprising bearings are one means by which moment arm 314can be pivotally secured via pivot rod 252 to upright 210. Rod supports253 can be attached directly to upright 210 or can be mounted on upright210 via brackets or the like. For example, in some circumstances, it canbe advantageous to mount moment arm 314 in front of console supportstructure 200 rather than directly between uprights 210. In such anembodiment, additional brackets would support rod supports 253 at aposition in front of uprights 210, that is, at a position on theopposite side of uprights 210 from user U and treadmill belt 20, or at aposition behind uprights 210, that is, at a position on the same side ofuprights 210 as user U and treadmill belt 20. One end of moment arm 314can extend though one of the uprights 210 (the upright that moment arm314 is not pivotally attached to) such that moment arm 314 can beoperatively connected to pushing handle 16. Alternatively, if moment arm314 is mounted in front of console support structure 200, then momentarm 314 would pass in front of and not through upright 210. Moment arm314 preferably is mounted more proximal to the bottom of uprights 210,that is, more proximal to base 12. Although this location is generallyarbitrary, this location has been found to be preferable from amechanics standpoint in that this location allows the resistancemechanism 300 to be mounted lower on the treadmill 10, thus providing alower center of gravity and greater stability for the treadmill 10.

Pushing arm 14 can comprise one, two or more sections, and preferablytwo sections, not including pushing handle 16 as a section. Pushing arm14 sections preferably are rigidly attached to each other, or are asingle bent or straight structure, and also preferably are rigidlyattached to pushing handle 16. Pushing arm 14 can be a rod-like,tubular, flat rigid or semi-rigid structure, or the equivalent, that ispivotally connected to console arms 212A. Pushing arms 14 preferably arepivotally attached to console arms 212A such that operational movementof pushing handles 16/pushing arms 14 actuates resistance mechanism 300.Pushing arms 14 also can be pivotally attached to the treadmill base 12,the uprights 210, or the console 212 with minor engineering changes.

Pushing handle 16 is mounted generally towards the distal end of consolearms 212A (distal to console 212), which also is proximal to user U whenuser U is in the correct position for operating the treadmill 10. Thecombination of pivot points 28 and the rotation of pushing arm 14 allowsdesired motion of pushing arm 14 and pushing handle 16 relative to userU. The movable pushing handle 16 solves the problem of allowing the userU to activate the resistance mechanism 300, while at the same timemaintain a position on the treadmill 10 and conduct the exerciseregiment by pushing against an adjustable but constant and staticresistance.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are set of side views of the treadmill 10 in which a userU would be operating the treadmill 10 in a generally flat or levelpushing simulation. In this position, user U would be simulating agenerally level surface pushing motion and walking or running forwardsand pushing on and moving pushing handle 16, and thus pushing againstresistance mechanism 300. In FIG. 2 the invention is shown in a restingposition, meaning resistance mechanism 300 is not providing resistanceto user U, and in FIG. 3 the invention is shown in an operatingposition, meaning resistance mechanism 300 is providing resistance touser U, as disclosed in more detail herein.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, which are being used to show thegeneral components and structural layout of the treadmill 10, pushinghandle 16 (and pushing arm 14) is operationally connected to resistancemechanism 300 via main cable 302, pulley system comprising pulleys 304,306, 308, and secondary cable 326. The pushing handle 16/pushing arm 14combination can be structured in various configurations. In theembodiment generally shown in the figures and use as the illustrativeembodiment in this specification, there are two separate pushing handles16 each connected to a separate pushing arm 14, with one set of pushinghandle 16A/pushing arm 14A being attached to a first console arm 212A(the left side) and another set of pushing handle 16B/pushing arm 14Bbeing attached to a second console arm 212B (the right side). In anembodiment illustrated in and disclosed in connection with FIG. 20,there is only one pushing handle 16, namely a pushing bar 16C, connectedto two pushing arms 14. In another embodiment, there may only be one setof pushing handle 16/pushing arm 14 located on either the first consolearm 212A or on the second console arm 212B.

Main cable 302 is attached at one end to first pushing arm 14A and isattached at another end to second pushing arm 14B. In between pushingarms 14A, 14B, main cable 302 travels through directional pulleys 304,console pulleys 306, and lifting pulley 308. Secondary cable 326operatively connects lifting pulley 308 with the non-pivoting end ofmoment arm 314, and therefore with resistance mechanism 300, and isattached at one end to lifting pulley frame 308A and is attached atanother end to moment arm 314. As moment arm 314 is being pivoted by theaction of secondary cable 326 attached to the non-pivoting end of momentarm 314, moment arm 314 in this embodiment is referred to as a modifiedmoment arm.

Directional pulleys 304 and console pulleys 306 can be and preferablyare fixed class 1 pulleys that are mounted on or within console 212 orconsole arms 212A, 212B to direct and redirect the force of main cable302 and do not move, except to rotate as main cable 302 moves over them.Lifting pulley 308 can be and preferably is a movable class 2 pulley totransform the force of main cable 302 to secondary cable 326. Althoughall pulleys 304, 306, 308 can be fixed pulleys or movable pulleys, or acombination of fixed and movable pulleys, depending on the relativeforce needed to operate the resistance mechanism 300, this combinationof fixed and movable pulleys provides a suitable transformation of theuser's U energy to the actuation of the resistance mechanism 300.

Weight 316 is operationally connected to moment arm 314 and along withmoment arm 314 causes a moment about pivot point 322, thus urging arotation of moment arm 314 about pivot point 322. As moment arm 314 isrotationally urged downwards by weight 316, moment arm 314 acts onsecondary cable 326 by pulling secondary cable 326 downward or at leastimparting a downward tensional force on secondary cable 326. Thedownward force on secondary cable 326 is imparted to lifting pulley 308,which imparts a tensional force on main cable 302. The tensional forceon main cable 302 is imparted to pushing arm(s) 14 and pushing handle(s)16, which imparts a pushing force on the user U grasping the pushinghandle(s) 16. This creates the pushing sensation and weight resistanceof the invention.

As long as weight 316 remains at the same position along moment arm 314,simple physics dictates that the magnitude of the weight or moment willremain approximately constant throughout the rotational arc of momentarm 314 provided for in this invention, thus imparting an approximatelyconstant force on the cable 326/pushing handle 16 system. Thus, user Uwill be presented with an approximately constant force simulating thepushing action (the force pushes back on pushing handle 16 opposite tothe direction user U is pushing). This force also is static in that theforce applied by moment arm 314 and weight 316 in one direction isbalanced by the force applied by user U in the opposite direction, for anet force of zero. Thus, the invention provides an approximatelyconstant static force for the user U. By moving weight 316 along momentarm 314, the magnitude of the moment, and therefore the magnitude of theforce applied ultimately to pushing handle 16, can be adjusted andchanged so as to provide different magnitudes of force to user U anddifferent amounts of exertion during the exercise regimens.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the invention structuredwith a side mounted moment arm as the exemplary resistance mechanism 300and illustrating the relationship between the various major componentsof the device. In this embodiment, moment arm pivot rod 252 is elongatedand extends generally horizontally between uprights 210 and can bepivotally attached to each upright 210, thus allowing moment arm pivotrod 252 to rotate axially generally between uprights 210. Bearings 214are one means by which moment arm pivot rod 252 can be rotationallysecured or journaled to uprights 210. Bearings 214 can be attacheddirectly to uprights 210 or can be mounted on uprights 210 via bracketsor the like.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the treadmill 10 embodiment shown in FIG. 4showing user U operating the treadmill 10 in a generally flat or levelpushing simulation. In this position, user U is simulating a generallylevel surface pushing motion and is walking or running forwards andpushing on and moving pushing handle 16, and thus pushing againstresistance mechanism 300. Resistance mechanism 300 is shown in anoperating position, meaning resistance mechanism 300 is providingresistance to user U.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, user U stands on the treadmill 10,specifically belt 20, and grips pushing handles 16. Pushing handles 16(and pushing arms 14) are operationally connected to resistancemechanism 300 via main cable 302, pulley system comprising pulleys 304,306, 308, and secondary cable 326. Generally, main cable 302 is attachedat one end to first pushing arm 14A and is attached at another end tosecond pushing arm 14B. In between pushing arms 14A, 14B, main cable 302travels through directional pulleys 304, console pulleys 306, andlifting pulley 308. Secondary cable 326 operatively connects liftingpulley 308 with cam 312, and therefore with resistance mechanism 300,and is attached at one end to lifting pulley frame 308A and is attachedat another end to cam 312.

Moment arm resistance mechanism 300 as illustratively shown in FIGS. 5and 6 comprises cam 312, moment arm 314, weight 316, weight adjustingdrive 318, weight adjusting mechanism support 320, pivot point 322(corresponding to the end of the moment arm pivot rod 252), and weightadjusting motor 324. Moment arm 314 is secured to moment arm pivot rod252 and extends generally normal to the axis of moment arm pivot rod252. Thus, moment arm 314 acts as a cantilever extending from moment armpivot rod 252, and the combination of moment arm 314 and moment armpivot rod 252 can rotate about the axis of moment arm pivot rod 252. Inthis embodiment, moment arm 314 is a generally flat runway on whichweight 316 can roll, and can be termed an open arm.

Weight 316 causes a moment about pivot point 322, thus urging a rotationof moment arm pivot rod 252 about its axis. As moment arm pivot rod 252is rotationally urged, cam 312 also is rotationally urged in the samedirection, thus acting on secondary cable 326 by pulling secondary cable326 downward or at least imparting a downward tensional force onsecondary cable 326. The downward force on secondary cable 326 isimparted to lifting pulley 308, which imparts a tensional force on maincable 302. The tensional force on main cable 302 is imparted to pushinghandle 16, which imparts a pushing force on the user U grasping thepushing handles 16. This creates the pushing sensation and weightresistance of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the invention very similar to FIG. 5 butshowing user U operating the treadmill 10. In this position, user U issimulating a pushing motion and is walking or running forwards andpushing on and moving pushing handles 16, and thus pushing againstresistance mechanism 300. As an alternative, the invention can beoperated in an inclined position in which the front (console end) of thetreadmill 10 is elevated relative to the rear of the treadmill 10, toallow the simulation of pushing a load uphill.

A second embodiment of moment arm resistance mechanism 300 asillustratively shown in FIG. 6 comprises cam 312, moment arm 314, weight316, weight adjusting drive 318, pivot point 322 (corresponding to theend of the moment arm pivot rod 252), and weight adjusting motor 324.Moment arm 314 can be secured to moment arm pivot rod 252 via weldments344, and extends generally normal to the axis of moment arm pivot rod252. Thus, moment arm 314 acts as a cantilever extending from moment armpivot rod 252, and the combination of moment arm 314 and moment armpivot rod 252 can rotate about the axis of moment arm pivot rod 252.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6, base 12 can comprise a separatemotor housing 32 and belt platform 34. Motor housing 32 contains thevarious conventional motors and associated components for moving belt 20and for raising and lowering base 12 and belt platform 34 for inclinedexercising. Alternatively, each of the above disclosed elements can belocated as desired in either motor housing 32 or belt platform 34 by theperson of ordinary skill in the art. In such a configuration, theinclination of belt 20 is accomplished by an incline motor raising thefront end of base 12 relative to the rear end of base 12, in a mannerwell known in the art. For example, as shown in a comparison of FIGS. 5and 6, an illustrative inclination mechanism is provided to permitinclination of belt platform 34 and belt 20. Illustrative liftmechanisms include a leg lift, comprising an incline motor and frontlegs. Such lift mechanisms are known in the treadmill art.

Weight adjusting motor 324 can be a bidirectional electric motor.Preferably, weight adjusting motor 324 is located proximal to pivotpoint 322 as weight adjusting motor 324 does have some weight and, iflocated on the free end 330 of moment arm 314, would impart a certainamount of weight to moment arm 314 creating an increased base momentabout pivot point 322. Weight adjusting motor 324 can be selected tomove weight 316 relative to or along moment arm 314 away from or towardspivot point 322, and therefore must be of sufficient power to accomplishthis task. Alternatively, weight adjusting motor 324 can be mountedoutside of moment arm 314 and a hole can be located on the end of momentarm 314 to allow weight adjusting drive to extend therethrough and intothe interior of moment arm 314 to cooperate with weight 316.

Weight 316 can be any structure having mass. In the illustrative exampleshown, weight 316 is a solid mass having an internal threaded passageextending from a first side to an opposite second side or, as disclosedin connection with FIG. 8, a combination of an internal passage 352 andthreaded nut 350. Internal threaded passage or nut 350 cooperates withthe screw thread on weight adjusting drive such that when weightadjusting drive is turned or rotated by weight adjusting motor 324,weight 316 is forced to move linearly. Weight 316 can comprise optionalwheels 332 on the bottom and optionally on the top that cooperate withmoment arm 314 to allow the easier movement of weight 316 along momentarm 314. Thus, as weight adjusting motor 324 turns weight adjustingdrive 318, the complimentary screw threads cooperate and force weight316 to move linearly along or relative to moment arm 314.

The amount or level of pushing force imparted to the user U can beadjusted by moving weight 316 along the moment arm 314. By pushing forceit is meant the counterforce created by the resistance mechanism 300 inresponse to the user pushing on pushing handles 16. The pushing force isequal to and opposite the force created by the user pushing on pushinghandles 16. If weight 316 is proximal to pivot point 322, then themoment created by weight 316 is minimal and therefore the amount orlevel of pushing force imparted to the user U is minimized. If weight316 is distal to the pivot point, then the moment created by weight 316is maximized and therefore the amount or level of pushing force impartedto the user U is maximized. Conventional controls on movable pushinghandles 16 or fixed console 212 or elsewhere operate weight adjustingmotor 324 so as to move weight 316 to the desired position along momentarm 314 for imparting the desired amount or level of pushing force tothe user U as the user U pushes on pushing handle 16.

Main cable 302 and secondary cable 326 can be of any flexible structure,such as a rope, a chain, a belt, monofilaments, braided wires, flexiblematerials, and other suitable equivalents, that allow a transfer offorce between pushing handle 16/pushing arm 14 and resistance mechanism300, and is not limited to a standard cable. As disclosed herein, maincable 302 can be directed around one or more pulleys 304, 306, 308 todirect or redirect main cable 302 between pushing arm 14 and resistancemechanism 300, and to prevent main cable 302 from becoming entangled inthe internal mechanical components of treadmill 10. Thus, in operation,when user U grips pushing handle 16 and starts belt 20 moving, user Ubegins to walk or run in a simulated forwards direction relative toconsole 212, causing user U to push on and move pushing handle 16. Thisforce transfers to main cable 302, which in turn acts on resistancemechanism 300 by lifting moment arm 314, thus creating the force ormoment due to the weight of weight 316 (and the moment arm itself, aswell as any components on or attached to moment arm 314), resulting inthe pushing force, which in this respect also can be termed acounterforce to the force created by the user U pushing on pushinghandles 16.

The degree of resistance can be controlled by user U. At settings inwhich weight 316 is creating a weight on moment arm 314 or a moment onmoment arm 314 about pivot point 322, user U would be simulating pushinga weight (the force created by moment arm 314 as transferred to user U)and the exercise regimen would be similar to walking or running forwardswhile pushing an object of a weight comparable to the setting ofresistance mechanism 300. The higher the setting of resistance mechanism300 (that is, with weight 316 further from pivot point 322), the heavierthe simulated object being pushed. With this arrangement, it istherefore possible to vary the weight resistance being pushed during theexercise regimen. However, once the desired resistance is set, theresistance is constant and static as transferred to pushing handles 16,thus imparting a constant and static resistance to the user U as long asthe user U maintains the resistance setting. The resistance setting canbe changed (increased, decreased) during the exercise regimen, at whichpoint the resistance would be changed to the new resistance level, andwould remain at that level until changed by the user U.

A comparison of the position of pushing arm 14 in FIGS. 2 and 5 versusFIGS. 3 and 6, respectively, shows how pushing arm 14 can move. Pushingarm 14 is shown in the at rest position in FIGS. 2 and 5, and in theoperational position (partially pivoted) in FIGS. 3 and 6. Pushing arm14 can pivot between the at rest position and a fully operationalposition, and the position of pushing arm 14 during operation isdependent on user U. Stops (not shown) prevent pushing arm 14 frommoving past the at rest position in one direction of motion and thefully operational position in the opposite direction of motion.

FIGS. 2 and 3 also illustrate an embodiment of directional pulleys 304and the main cable 302 configuration traveling through directionalpulleys 304. Generally, main cable 302 is attached to first pushing arm14A, loops over a first directional pulley 304A, loops through liftingpulley 308, loops over console pulleys 306, loops under seconddirectional pulley 304B and over third directional pulley 304C, and thenattaches to second pushing arm 14B. Directional pulleys 304 are used toredirect main cable 302 towards console pulleys 306 and lifting pulley308 such that main cable 302 enters and travels through console 212 andconsole pulleys 306 at proper angles. Directional pulleys 304 also helpsmaintain tension within the main cable 302 and helps reduce thepossibility that main cable 302 will fall off of pulleys 304. Otherconfigurations of pulleys 304 and pulley 306 are contemplated, and thisconfiguration is only for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a modifiedmoment arm resistance mechanism 300 in which the moment arm 314 israised and lowered by a cable 302 attached to the arcing end 346 of themoment arm 14. FIG. 8 is a top view and FIG. 9 is a side sectional viewof the modified moment arm resistance mechanism 300 shown in FIG. 7.This modified moment arm resistance mechanism 300 comprises cableattachment 313, moment arm 314, guide rails 315, weight 316, weightadjusting drive 318, weight adjusting mechanism supports 320, pivotpoint 322, and weight adjusting motor 324. Moment arm 314 is secured tomoment arm pivot rod 252 and extends generally normal to the axis ofmoment arm pivot rod 252. Thus, moment arm 314 acts as a cantileverextending from moment arm pivot rod 252, and the combination of momentarm 314 and moment arm pivot rod 252 can rotate about the axis of momentarm pivot rod 252.

FIG. 8 illustrates that guide rails 315 extend between and are securedto weight adjusting mechanism supports 320 so as to form the generalskeletal structure of moment arm 314. Cable attachment 313 is secured toweight adjusting mechanism support 320 on arcing endpivot point end 346of moment arm 314 and weight adjusting motor 324 is secured to weightadjusting mechanism support 320 on pivot point end 348 of moment arm 314proximal to moment arm pivot rod 252. Weight adjusting drive 318 extendsfrom weight adjusting motor 324 between and generally parallel to guiderails 315 and is rotationally journaled into weight adjusting mechanismsupport 320 on arcing endpivot point end 346 of moment arm 314. Weight316 is slidably supported on guide rails 315 and can travel betweenweight adjusting mechanism supports 320.

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of a weight 316 and weight adjustingdrive 318 that can be used with the present invention. Weight 316comprises internal passage 352 extending therethrough from one side toan opposite side. Internal passage 352 can be a smooth bore with noscrew thread in which the diameter of internal passage 352 is greaterthan the outer diameter of the screw thread 354 of weight adjustingdrive 318 such that weight adjusting drive 318 can slide into andthrough internal passage 352. One or more threaded nuts 350 are insertedinto internal passage 352 and secured by known means, such as, but notlimited to, friction, adhesives, welding, soldering, clips, a flangethat is part of the nut 350 itself and screwed into the weight 316, andthe like. Weight adjusting drive 318, and particularly screw thread 354of weight adjusting drive 318 cooperates with screw thread 356 of nut350 such that when weight adjusting drive 318 is rotated, weight 316will move relatively along weight adjusting drive 318. Alternatively, atleast a portion of internal passage 352 can comprise a thread tocooperate with screw thread 354 of weight adjusting drive 318. Weightadjusting drive 318 is operatively connected to weight adjusting motor324 and to weight 316 and can be used to transfer the motion generatedby weight adjusting motor 324 to weight 316 and move weight along guiderails 315 of moment arm 314. Weight adjusting motor 324 turns weightadjusting device 318, and screw threads, 354, 356 cooperate to moveweight 316 back and forth along moment arm 314.

Weight 316 causes a moment about pivot point 322, thus urging a rotationof moment arm pivot rod 252 about its axis. The size of the moment isrelated to the position of weight 316 on moment arm 314. Specifically,if weight 316 is proximal to pivot point end 348 the moment, and thusthe ultimate weight value presented to user U, is smaller and if weight316 is proximal to arcing endpivot point end 346 the moment, and thusthe ultimate weight value presented to user U, is larger. As moment armpivot rod 252 is rotationally urged, a downward tensional force iscreated on main cable 302. The tensional force on main cable 302 isimparted ultimately to pushing handle 16, which imparts a pushing forceon user U grasping pushing handle 16. This creates the pushing sensationand weight resistance of the invention.

As shown in additional detail in FIGS. 10-13, treadmill 10 has a lowerbase 12 housing the internal mechanical components of treadmill 10.Projecting upwardly from base 12 is console support structure 200. Atleast one console arm 212A, and preferably two console arms 212A, 212B,extend rearward from console support structure 200 proximal to anupright 210. Pushing arm 14 (which includes pushing arms 14A, 14B), onwhich pushing handle 16 (which includes pushing handles 16A, 16B) ismounted, is pivotally mounted on console arm 212A, 212B and isoperatively connected to resistance mechanism 300 via or through theframe.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with thevarious covers and facades removed to better show the internalpositioning of the cables 302, 326 and pulleys 304, 306, 308. FIG. 11 issimilar to FIG. 10, but from a different perspective angle. FIG. 12 is aside view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.In these views, resistance mechanism 300 is located between consolesupport uprights 210 and in the resting position and with weight 316 ina first, lesser weight (lesser resistance), position. As can be seenfrom these figures, moment arm 314 is pivotally attached to a first ofuprights 210 via pivot rod 252 using pivot rod supports 253. Main cable302 travels from pushing arm 16A through left console arm 212A todirectional pulley 304A, down first upright 210A to lifting pulley 308,back up first upright 210A to first console pulley 306A, across console212 to second console pulley 306B and into second upright 210B, downsecond upright 210B to second directional pulley 304B and thirddirectional pulley 304C, through right console arm 212B, and ultimatelyis attached to pushing arm 16B.

When main cable 302 is pulled and released by user U via pushing handles16, causing an imparting and release of tension on main cable 302respectively, lifting pulley 308 is lifted, imparting and releasingtension on secondary cable 326, thereby pivoting moment arm 314 upwardsand downwards respectively relative to pivot rod 252. A stop (not shown)can be placed on second upright 210 or on motor housing 32 on whichmoment arm 314 can rest in the resting position shown in these figures.In the resting mode, moment arm 314 is in an angled down position andeither resting on a support or being supported such that no or a minimalamount of weight or force is being transferred to main cable 302,pushing arm 14 or pushing handles 16, or hanging from main cable 302such that the tension created by main cable 302 connected to pushing arm14 prevents the further downward motion of moment arm 14. In theoperating mode, moment arm 314 is raised off of the support or stop andcan be in any position from immediately above the resting position tothe upper limit of travel of the moment arm 314 and still have the sameresistance effect.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.10 with a user gripping the pushing handles 16 and using the inventionin the pushing mode. In this figure, it can be seen that main cable 302travels down first upright 210A, around lifting pulley 308 and back upfirst upright 210A to console pulley 306. In this figure, user U isshown as pushing on pushing handles 16, thus moving pushing handles 16and rotating pushing arm 14 and imparting tension on main cable 302,thus pulling upwardly on lifting pulley 308, thus applying tension onsecondary cable 326. This, in turn, lifts the arcing end 346 of momentarm 314. This figure illustrates user U involved in a typical pushingexercise.

FIG. 13 also shows the general components and structural layout of thetreadmill 10 when in use. User U stands on the treadmill 10,specifically belt 20, and grips pushing handles 16, which extend frompushing arms 14. Pushing arm 14 is operationally connected to resistancemechanism 300 via main cable 302, pulley system comprising pulleys 304,306, 308, and secondary cable 326. Pushing handles 16 and pushing arm 14are shown imparting tension on main cable 302, thus pulling upwardly onlifting pulley 308. FIG. 13 focuses in on the operative relationshipbetween pushing arm 14 and moment arm 314 in what is termed theoperating mode. In this mode, pushing arm 14 is being pushed by a user,thus pivoting and pulling on the main cable 302. Main cable 302 ispulled through directional pulleys 304 and console pulleys 306 so as todirect or redirect main cable 302 from pushing arm 14 ultimately tosecondary cable 326. In one illustrative embodiment, main cable 302travels through (and within the interior of) console 212 and upright 210for aesthetics and safety purposes. As main cable 302 is pulled, theattachment to moment arm 314 causes moment arm 314 to rotate or pivotabout moment arm pivot rod 252 upwards into the operating position.Release of pushing handles 16, that is allowing pushing handles 16 toreturn towards the resting position, has the opposite rotational effect.

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate the operation of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 10 showing moment arm 314 and pushing arm 14/pushinghandles 16 in various operating positions and with weight 316 in agreater weight (greater resistance) position. FIG. 14 is front view andFIG. 15 is a top view showing resistance mechanism 300 in the restingmode. In these views, pushing handles 16 are not being pushed. FIG. 16is a front view showing resistance mechanism 300 in a partially raisedoperating mode. In this view, pushing handles 16 are being pushed andhave been moved approximately one half of their available traveldistance. FIG. 17 is front view showing resistance mechanism 300 in afully raised operating mode. In this view, pushing handles 16 are beingpushed and have been moved approximately their entire available traveldistance. The series of FIGS. 14-17 illustrates the action of main cable302/secondary cable 326 in raising resistance mechanism 300 as pushinghandles 16 are pushed and moved by user U.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of representativecontrols located on pushing handles 16 for the invention. Variouscontrols and information displays can be located on each or both ofpushing handles 16 and/or on console 212 individually or in a redundantmanner. As can be seen, controls for grade, load, speed, and stoppingthe machine can be located on the pushing handles 16 for ease ofoperation. Various combinations of controls can be located on pushinghandles 16 and/or console 212

FIG. 19 is a side view of a user U using the invention in a typicaltreadmill manner in an inclined forward uphill walking or running mode.In this view and mode, the pushing handles 16 and the resistancemechanism 300 are not being used.

FIGS. 20-24 illustrate several additional exemplary embodiments of theinvention. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of theinvention having a pushing bar 16C, rather than two separate pushinghandles 16A, 16B, pivotally connected to both console arms 212A, 212B.In this embodiment, user U pushes on and moves pushing bar 16C, whichactivates resistance mechanism 300. This embodiment can comprise asimplified cable and pulley configuration. As shown, main cable 302 canattach directly to pushing arm 14, loop over a single directional pulley306 and then connect directly to cable attachment 313. Thus, pushing andmoving the pushing bar 16C, a direct cable connection is made to momentarm 314 without the need for lifting pulley 308 or secondary cable 326.A lifting pulley 308 and secondary cable 326 can be used if desired tostep down the effect of pushing bar 16C. Additionally, a separateattachment of main cable 302 to a second pushing arm 14B is unnecessary.Similarly, an accessory configured like pushing bar 16C can be supplied,which accessory can fit over pushing handles 16A, 16B and act as pushingbar 16C.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention having pivotinguprights 210 in the resting position in which the uprights 210 andconsole 212 pivot. FIG. 22 is a side view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 21 in the operating position. In these views, pushing handle 16 (orpushing bar 16C) is rigidly attached to console arm 212A. When user Upushes on pushing handle 16, the entire console structure 200 comprisedof pushing handle 16, console arm 212A (and console arm 212B), console212, and uprights 210 pivots forward about console pivot point 390. Maincable 302 is attached to lower frame 34 via cable attachment 310,travels upwards to and around directional pulley 304A, arounddirectional pulley 304B and downwards to directly connect to cableattachment 313 located at an end of moment arm 314. Thus, pushing thepushing handle 16 (or pushing bar 16C) causes the console structure 200to pivot forward and cable 302 to lift moment arm 314. This embodimentalso allows for a direct cable connection to moment arm 314 without theneed for lifting pulley 308 or secondary cable 326. A lifting pulley 308and secondary cable 326 can be used if desired to step down the effectof pushing bar 16C. Additionally, a separate attachment of main cable302 to a second pushing arm 14B is unnecessary.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention having slidinguprights in the resting position in which the uprights and consoleslide. FIG. 24 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 in theoperating position. In these views, pushing handle 16 (or pushing bar16C) is rigidly attached to console arm 212A. When user U pushes onpushing handle 16, the entire console structure 200 comprised of pushinghandle 16, console arm 212A (and console arm 212B), console 212, anduprights 210 slides forward along slide(s) 392 between resting stop 394and extended stop 396. A bearing 391 is located at the bottom of eachupright 210 and cooperates with slide 392 to allow console to slidealong slide 392. Bearing can be any conventional bearing device,including ball bearings, roller bearing, and low friction bearings, toname a few. Main cable 302 is attached to lower frame 34 via cableattachment 310, travels upwards to and around directional pulley 304A,around directional pulley 304B and downwards to directly connect tocable attachment 313 located at an end of moment arm 314. Thus, pushingthe pushing handle 16 (or pushing bar 16C) causes the console structure200 to slide forward and cable 302 to lift moment arm 314. Thisembodiment allows for a direct cable connection to moment arm 314without the need for lifting pulley 308 or secondary cable 326. Alifting pulley 308 and secondary cable 326 can be used if desired tostep down the effect of pushing bar 16C. Additionally, a separateattachment of main cable 302 to a second pushing arm 14B is unnecessary.Console locking pin 398 can be used to lock the console structure 200 inthe resting position. Analogous locking pins can be included in any ofthe embodiments to lock the pushing arms 14, pushing handles 16, and/orpushing bars 16C with minor engineering changes.

FIG. 25 is a side view, partly in section, of a pneumatic resistancemechanism 400 in the resting position. In this embodiment, resistancemechanism 400 is a pneumatic mechanism comprising pneumatic cylinder402, air compressor 404, and various connecting hoses 406. In knownpneumatic mechanisms, the resistance of pneumatic cylinder 402 can beset to certain values corresponding to a known resistance by the settingof compressor 404 (the higher the pressure of the compressed airproduced by compressor 404, the higher the resistance of pneumaticcylinder 402, and the higher the equivalent resistance). Similarly, theresistance mechanism can be a hydraulic cylinder and the air a fluid.Pneumatic cylinder 402 is attached to the frame of the device andcylinder rod 408 is attached to rod pulley 410. Pushing on pushinghandles 16 ultimately, via cabling and pulleys as disclosed previously,pushes cylinder rod 408 into pneumatic cylinder 402, with the air withinpneumatic cylinder 402 providing resistance. The use of a pneumaticcylinder 402 with known or adjustable resistance is known and can beused to provide a basis for determining the simulated resistance(weight) being pushed by user U. FIG. 26 is a side view, partly insection, of the pneumatic resistance mechanism 400 in a resistanceposition.

FIG. 27 is a front view, partly in section, of an electric motor clutchbrake resistance mechanism 500. In this embodiment, resistance mechanism500 is an electric motor and braking system comprising electric motor502 and brake assembly 504. In known systems of this type, electricmotor 502 imparts a force through brake assembly 504 to movable pushinghandles 16, which can correspond to a known resistance by the powersupplied to motor 502 or to brake assembly 504. Motor 502 is attached tothe frame of the device and brake assembly 504 is attached to cam 512.When motor 502 is actuated, cam 512 is rotated, thus ultimately, viacabling and pulleys as disclosed previously, pulling on pushing arm 14providing resistance to user U holding pushing handles 16. The use of abrake assembly 504 with known or adjustable resistance is known and canbe used to provide a basis for determining the simulated resistancebeing pushed by user U.

In preferred embodiments, the invention is structured so as to provideboth a pulling and a pulling exercise regimen via the same console orhandle(s). FIGS. 28-50 illustrate several illustrative examples of asingle device that can be used for both pushing and pulling regimens.The basic components of the pushing/pulling devices are the same as oranalogous to the basic components of the pulling-only and pushing-onlydevices. For example, the treadmill lower base 12, treadmill motor,endless belt 20, belt platform 34, lever legs 36, and other basiccomponents disclosed above can be used in the pushing/pulling devices.Likewise, the moment arm weight resistance mechanism 300 disclosed abovecan be used in the pushing/pulling devices. The console and handlestructures and operations of the pushing/pulling devices are differentand are disclosed below.

FIG. 28 is a perspective left side front view of an embodiment of theinvention 10 having a sliding pushing and pulling console supportstructure 200 such that the user can select or alternate between apushing regimen and a pulling regimen. FIG. 29 is a left side view ofthe embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in the neutral position with the loadresting. This embodiment is similar to that embodiment shown in FIGS. 23and 24 but with the addition of the pushing and pulling ability. Thus,in this embodiment, the uprights 210 and console support structure 200slide forwards and backwards along slide 392. In this view, pushing andpulling means 16 (the equivalent of pushing handle 16 or pushing bar16C) is rigidly attached to the console support structure 200.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrates the position of console 200 in the neutralor resting position in which the user U is neither pushing nor pullingon pushing and pulling means 16 and moment arm 314 is in the restingposition. Console support structure 200 is located generally centrallyalong slide(s) 392, approximately equidistant between pulling stop 394and pushing stop 396. Main cable 302 is attached to lower frame 34 viacable attachment 310, travels upwards through two cooperating fixedpulleys 304D, 304E, to and around a directional pulley 304A, anddownwards to directly connect to cable attachment 313 located at an endof moment arm 314. In this embodiment, directional pulley 304A and fixedpulleys 304D, 304E are attached to console upright 210 and travel alongwith console support structure 200, as disclosed below, while cableattachment 310 is attached to lower frame 34 and remains at a fixedposition. Preferably, directional pulley 304A, fixed pulleys 304D, 304E,and cable attachment 310 lie approximately in the same vertical plane.Also preferably, directional pulley 304A and fixed pulleys 304D, 304Eare located and centered vertically above cable attachment 310 in theresting or neutral position, which will result in moment arm 314 beingin the lowest (unlifted) position when the device 10 is in the restingor neutral position.

FIG. 30 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in thepulling position in which the load is engaged. When user U pulls onpushing and pulling means 16, while walking in a rearwards direction,the entire console structure comprised of pushing and pulling means 16,console support structure 200, and uprights 210 slides backward alongslide(s) 392 towards pulling stop 394. Thus, pulling the pushing andpulling means 16 causes the console structure to slide backwards andcable 302 to lift moment arm 314. The two cooperating fixed pulleys304D, 304E maintain the cable 302 in proper alignment when being actedon by the movement of the console support structure 200. Specifically,as can be seen in FIG. 30, when console support structure 200 is pulledbackwards, cable 302 engages the front fixed pulley 304D. The lifting ofmoment arm 314 causes a weight resistance to be applied to the consolesupport structure 200, and therefore to user U, as user U is walking orrunning backwards. Thus, in this regimen, the treadmill 10 is activatedin the rearwards walking mode and the user U pulls on the pushing andpulling means 16. When the console support structure 200 is pulled andmoves backwards, the cable 302 engages the forwardmost of the fixedcable pulleys 304D, which causes the cable 302 to pull upwards on theweight resistance mechanism 300.

FIG. 31 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in thepushing position in which the load is engaged. Analogously to thedisclosure given in connection with FIG. 30 above, when user U pushes onpushing and pulling means 16, while walking in a forwards direction, theentire console structure comprised of pushing and pulling means 16,console support structure 200, and uprights 210 slides forward alongslide(s) 392 towards pushing stop 396. Thus, pushing the pushing andpulling means 16 causes the console structure to slide forwards andcable 302 to lift moment arm 314. The two cooperating fixed pulleys304D, 304E maintain the cable 302 in proper alignment when being actedon by the movement of the console support structure 200. Specifically,as can be seen in FIG. 31, when console support structure 200 is pushedforwards, cable 302 engages the rear fixed pulley 304E. The lifting ofmoment arm 314 causes a weight resistance to be applied to the consolesupport structure 200, and therefore to user U, as user U is walking orrunning forwards. Thus, in this regimen, the treadmill 10 is activatedin the forwards walking mode and the user U pushes on the pushing andpulling means 16. When the console support structure 200 is pushed andmoves forwards, the cable 302 engages the rearwardmost of the fixedcable pulleys 304E, which causes the cable 302 to pull upwards on theweight resistance mechanism 300.

This embodiment allows for a direct cable connection to moment arm 314without the need for a lifting pulley or a secondary cable. A liftingpulley and secondary cable can be used if desired to step down theeffect of pushing and pulling means 16. The two fixed pulleys 304D, 304Eand the directional pulley 304A preferably are mounted on the inner sideof the upright 210. The moment arm resistance mechanism 300 is mountedon one of the uprights 210 and preferably in a position in front of theuprights 210, and not directly between the uprights 210 as in otherembodiments.

FIG. 32 is a right side view of the embodiment of FIG. 28 shown in theneutral position with the load resting. Although this embodiment hasbeen disclosed with the cable 302, the pulleys 304A, 304D, 304E, and thecable attachment 310 on the left side of the device, they alternativelycan be located on the right side of the device.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an embodiment of theinvention having independent handles 16A, 16B. Handles 16A, 16B arepivotally attached to console arms 212A, 212B, respectively, which inturn are attached to console uprights 210. In this embodiment, consolesupport structure 212 is rigidly attached to lower frame 34 and does notpivot or slide. In this embodiment, the user U pushes forward on andmoves handles 16A, 16B while walking in a forwards direction to effect apushing regimen and pulls on and moves handles 16A, 16B while walking ina backwards direction to effect a pulling regimen.

FIG. 33 illustrates the position of handles 16A, 16B in the neutral orresting position in which the user U is neither pushing nor pulling onhandles 16A, 16B and moment arm 314 is in the resting position. Handles16A, 16B are in the neutral, generally upright position, relative toconsole arms 212A, 212B. In this position, no weight resistance is beingtransferred to the handles 16A, 16B or to the user U.

Main cable 302 is attached to handle 16A at one end and handle 16B atthe other end. Main cable 302 follows a path between handles 16A, 16Bthrough console arms 212A, 212B, uprights 210, and console 212. Forexample, main cable 302 is attached at one end to handle 16A, travelsthrough two directional pulleys 304F, 304G proximal to handle 16A,through console arm 212A to directional pulley 304H proximal to upright210A, through upright 210A to lifting pulley 308, back up throughupright 210A to directional pulley 304J at a first side of console 212,through and across console 212 to directional pulley 304K at a secondside of console 212, through directional pulley 304L proximal to upright210B, through console arm 212B to directional pulleys 304M, 304Nproximal to handle 16B, and is attached to handle 16B at the other end.This cable path allows handles 16A, 16B to cooperate in lifting momentarm 314, but also allow each handle 16A, 16B to operate independently inlifting moment arm 314. As can be seen, and also with reference to FIGS.34 and 35, pushing or pulling on handles 16A, 16B will result in thetensioning of main cable 302, which will result in the lifting oflifting pulley 308, which in turn will result in the pulling ofsecondary cable 326, thereby lifting moment arm 314, thus imparting aweight resistance to main cable 302 and, as a result to handles 16A,16B, which will impart a weight resistance to user U. Such a weightresistance will be imparted both upon the pushing of handles 16A, 16 band the pulling of handles 16A, 16B.

FIG. 34 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 shown in thepushing position in which the load is engaged. When user U pushes on andmoves handles 16A, 16B, while walking in a forwards direction, maincable 302 is pulled (placed in tension). The two cooperating fixeddirectional pulleys 304F, 304G maintain the main cable 302 in properalignment when being acted on by handle 16A and the two cooperatingfixed directional pulleys 304M, 304N maintain the main cable 302 inproper alignment when being acted upon by handle 16B. Directionalpulleys 304H, 304J, 304K, 304L direct main cable 302 from and to handles16A, 16B through console arms 212A, 212B, through uprights 210A, 210B,and through console 212. The tensioning of main cable 302 causes thelifting of lifting cable 308, and thus the lifting of moment arm 314,which causes a weight resistance to be applied to main cable 302, andtherefore to handles 16A, 16B, and therefore to user U, as user U iswalking or running forwards. Thus, in this regimen, the treadmill 10 isactivated in the forwards walking mode and the user U pushes on andmoves handles 16A, 16B. In this mode, when the handles 16A, 16B arepushed and moved forwards, the cable 302 engages all four directionalpulleys 304F, 304G, 304M, 304N proximal to handles 16A, 16B.

FIG. 35 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33 shown in thepulling position in which the load is engaged. Analogously to thedisclosure given in connection with FIG. 34 above, when user U pulls onand moves handles 16A, 16B, while walking in a backwards direction, maincable 302 also is pulled (placed in tension). The fixed directionalpulley 304G maintains the main cable 302 in proper alignment when beingacted on by handle 16A and the fixed directional pulley 304M maintainsthe main cable 302 in proper alignment when being acted upon by handle16B. Directional pulleys 304H, 304J, 304K, 304L direct main cable 302from and to handles 16A, 16B through console arms 212A, 212B, throughuprights 210A, 210B, and through console 212. The tensioning of maincable 302 causes the lifting of lifting cable 308, and thus the liftingof moment arm 314, which causes a weight resistance to be applied tomain cable 302, and therefore to handles 16A, 16B, and therefore to userU, as user U is walking or running backwards. Thus, in this regimen, thetreadmill 10 is activated in the backwards walking mode and the user Upulls on and moves handles 16A, 16B. In this mode, when the handles 16A,16B are pulled and moved backwards, the cable 302 engages only twodirectional pulleys 304G, 304M proximal to handles 16A, 16B.

This embodiment allows for a cable connection to moment arm 314 via alifting pulley 308, but without the need for a secondary cable. Asecondary cable can be used if desired to step down the effect ofhandles 16A, 16B. The fixed directional pulleys 304F, 304G, 304H, 304J,304K, 304L, 304M, 304N preferably are fixedly mounted within consolearms 212A, 212B, uprights 210A, 210B, and console 212. The moment armresistance mechanism 300 is mounted on one of the uprights 210 andpreferably in a position in front of the uprights 210, and not directlybetween the uprights 210 as in other embodiments.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of an embodiment of theinvention having a single handle 16. The operation of this embodiment issimilar to the operation of the embodiment disclosed in connection withFIGS. 33-35, but with a simpler main cable 302 path. Handle 16 is asingle bar that is pivotally attached to console arms 212A, 212B,respectively, which in turn are attached to console uprights 210. Inthis embodiment, console support structure 212 is rigidly attached tolower frame 34 and does not pivot or slide. In this embodiment, the userU pushes forward on and moves handle 16 while walking in a forwardsdirection to effect a pushing regimen and pulls on and moves handle 16while walking in a backwards direction to effect a pulling regimen.

FIG. 36 illustrates the position of handle 16 in the neutral or restingposition in which the user U is neither pushing nor pulling on handle 16and moment arm 314 is in the resting position. Handle 16 is in theneutral, generally upright position, relative to console arms 212A,212B. In this position, no weight resistance is being transferred to thehandle 16 or to the user U.

Main cable 302 is attached to handle 16 at both ends of handle 16. Maincable 302 follows a path between the ends of handle 16 through consolearm 212A to weight resistance mechanism 300. For example, main cable 302is attached at one end to a first end of handle 16, travels through twodirectional pulleys 304F, 304G proximal to the first end of handle 16,through console arm 212A to directional pulley 304H proximal to upright210A, through upright 210A to cable attachment 313. As can be seen, andalso with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, pushing or pulling on and movinghandle 16 will result in the tensioning of main cable 302, which willresult in the lifting of moment arm 314, thus imparting a weightresistance to main cable 302 and, as a result to handle 16, which willimpart a weight resistance to user U. Such a weight resistance will beimparted both upon the pushing and moving of handle 16 and the pullingand moving of handle 16.

FIG. 37 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 shown in thepushing position in which the load is engaged. When user U pushes on andmoves handle 16 while walking in a forwards direction, main cable 302 ispulled (placed in tension). The two cooperating fixed directionalpulleys 304F, 304G maintain the main cable 302 in proper alignment whenbeing acted on by handle 16. Directional pulley 304H directs main cable302 to moment arm 314. The tensioning of main cable 302 causes thelifting of moment arm 314, which causes a weight resistance to beapplied to main cable 302, and therefore to handle 16, and therefore touser U, as user U is walking or running forwards. Thus, in this regimen,the treadmill 10 is activated in the forwards walking mode and the userU pushes on and moves handle 16. In this mode, when the handle 16 ispushed and moved forwards, the cable 302 engages two directional pulleys304F, 304G proximal to handle 16.

FIG. 38 is a left side view of the embodiment of FIG. 36 shown in thepulling position in which the load is engaged. Analogously to thedisclosure given in connection with FIG. 37 above, when user U pulls onand moves handle 16 while walking in a backwards direction, main cable302 also is pulled (placed in tension). The fixed directional pulley304G maintains the main cable 302 in proper alignment when being actedon by handle 16. Directional pulley 304H directs main cable 302 tomoment arm 314. The tensioning of main cable 302 causes the lifting ofmoment arm 314, which causes a weight resistance to be applied to maincable 302, and therefore to handle 16, and therefore to user U, as userU is walking or running backwards. Thus, in this regimen, the treadmill10 is activated in the backwards walking mode and the user U pulls onand moves handle 16. In this mode, when the handle 16 is pulled andmoved backwards, the cable 302 engages only one directional pulley 304Gproximal to handle 16.

This embodiment also allows for a cable connection to moment arm 314without the need for a lifting pulley or a secondary cable. A liftingpulley and/or secondary cable can be used if desired to step down theeffect of handle 16. The fixed directional pulleys 304F, 304G, 304Hpreferably are fixedly mounted within console arm 212A and upright 210A.The moment arm resistance mechanism 300 is mounted on one of theuprights 210 and preferably in a position in front of the uprights 210,and not directly between the uprights 210 as in other embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a perspective left side view of an embodiment of theinvention having a pivoting pushing and pulling console supportstructure 200. This embodiment comprises pivoting uprights 210, whichare pivotally attached to lower frame 34 at pivot points 390 via knownmeans, such as bearings or journals. In operation, a user pushes orpulls upon handle 16, thus pivoting console support structure 200forwards or backwards, respectively, while walking forwards orbackwards, respectively.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate this embodiment in the resting or neutralposition in which console support structure 200 is generally upright orslightly leaning rearward. Preferably, directional pulley 304A anddirectional pulleys 304A, 304B are located and centered vertically abovecable attachment 310 in the resting or neutral position, which willresult in moment arm 314 being in the lowest (unlifted) position whenthe device 10 is in the resting or neutral position.

FIG. 41 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 in thepushing position. In these views, handle 16 is rigidly attached toconsole arms 212A, 212B. When user U pushes on handle 16, the entireconsole structure 200 comprised of handle 16, console arms 212A, 212B,console 212, and uprights 210 pivots forward about console pivot point390. Main cable 302 is attached to lower frame 34 via cable attachment310, travels upwards to and around directional pulley 304A, optionallyaround directional pulley 304B (see FIGS. 40-42) and downwards todirectly connect to cable attachment 313 located at an end of moment arm314. Thus, pushing the handle 16 causes the console structure 200 topivot forward and cable 302 to lift moment arm 314. This embodiment alsoallows for a direct cable connection to moment arm 314 without the needfor lifting pulley 308 or secondary cable 326. A lifting pulley 308 andsecondary cable 326 can be used if desired to step down the effect ofhandle 16.

FIG. 42 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 in thepulling position. In these views, handle 16 is rigidly attached toconsole arms 212A, 212B. When user U pulls on handle 16, the entireconsole structure 200 comprised of handle 16, console arms 212A, 212B,console 212, and uprights 210 pivots backward about console pivot point390. Main cable 302 is attached to lower frame 34 via cable attachment310, travels upwards to and around directional pulley 304A, optionallyaround directional pulley 304B (see FIGS. 40-42) and downwards todirectly connect to cable attachment 313 located at an end of moment arm314. Thus, pulling the handle 16 causes the console structure 200 topivot backward and cable 302 to lift moment arm 314. This embodimentalso allows for a direct cable connection to moment arm 314 without theneed for lifting pulley 308 or secondary cable 326. A lifting pulley 308and secondary cable 326 can be used if desired to step down the effectof handle 16.

FIGS. 43-50 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention withstationary uprights 210 and with a movable console 212. In these views,handle 16, which allows both pushing and pulling motions, is attached tomovable console 212, and movable console 212 is slidably attached toconsole arms 212A, 212B. Slide 392 is mounted within console arm 212B,and another slide 392 is mounted within console arm 212A (the slide 392in console arm 212A is not shown, but is generally identical and mountedand functions as a mirror image of slide 392 within console arm 212B).At least one bearing 391 is attached to an outer end 16D of handle 16and cooperates with slide 392 to allow movable console 212 to slidealong slide 392. Handle 16 has access to and can ultimately cooperatewith slide 392 within console arm 212A, 212B through slot 404 such thatouter end 16D or an extension thereof can extend from handle 16 throughslot 404 to bearing 391, which cooperates with slide 392. Also in theseviews, and in a preferred embodiment, console arms 212A, 2128 are a partof and extend from stationary uprights 210 so as to create a rigid andstrong console support structure 200.

Slide 392 can be any conventional slide means, including, withoutlimitation, rods, channels, and bearing surfaces, to name a few. In apreferred embodiment, movable console 212 is supported on slide 392 andtherefore slide 392 preferably is a relatively strong and rigidstructure capable of both supporting moving console structure 212 andhandling the weight of and repetitive motion imparted by a user Uwithout undue failure. Slide 392 preferably has stops on either end toprevent bearing 391, and therefore handle 16, from sliding off of slide392 or from moving more than a set or desired distance along slide 392.More specifically, movable console 212 preferably is movable along slide392 between a neutral position as shown in FIG. 43 and a fully extendedposition in the first pushing direction as shown in FIG. 46 and betweenthe neutral position as shown in FIG. 43 and a fully extended positionin the second pulling direction as shown in FIG. 48, and can bemaintained at any position between the at rest position and either ofthe fully extended positions. Slide 392 also preferably is mounted onconsole arm 212A, 212B, both of which typically are parallel to orapproximately parallel to belt platform 34. More specifically, in apreferred embodiment, console arm 212A, 212B remains in the sameposition relative to belt platform 34 irrespective of the incline of thedevice 10, and this relative position typically is parallel orapproximately parallel. Bearing 391 can be any conventional bearingdevice, including, without limitation, ball bearings, roller bearings,low friction bearings, and low friction bearing surfaces, to name a few.

In this embodiment, main cable 302 is attached to movable console 212 orto handle 16 or to an attachment means or device 402 attached to movableconsole 212 or handle 16. Main cable 302 then travels betweendirectional pulleys 304AF, 304AR, around directional pulley 304B andthen directly connects to cable attachment 313 located at an end ofmoment arm 314. Thus, pushing the handle 16 causes the movable console212 to slide forward and cable 302 to lift moment arm 314, while supportconsole 200, and particularly console supports 210 and console arms212A, 212B remain stationary. As can be seen in, and as disclosed inconnection with, FIGS. 46-49, two directional pulleys 304AF, 304AR canbe used to maintain and direct main cable 302 in both the pushing andpulling motions.

In one embodiment, each outside end 16D of pushing handle 16 comprises abearing 391 and each console arm 212A, 212B comprises a slide 392 suchthat movable console 212 is supported generally centrally between and byconsole arms 212A, 212B. Movable console 212 can comprise the controlsnecessary to operate the treadmill 10 (see FIG. 50).

FIG. 43 is an end perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention having stationary uprights 210 and a sliding movable console212 in the neutral or resting position. In this position, movableconsole 212 can be located generally at or near the linear center, or inthe central portion, of the length of slide 392 with outer end 16D ofhandle 16 located generally above directional pulleys 304AF, 304AR suchthat main cable 302 travels between directional pulleys 304AF, 304AR. Inthis position, moment arm 314 is in a lowered position providing no orminimal weight resistance to movable console 212. Central moving console212 preferably returns to this neutral or resting position when notbeing pushed or pulled by the user U due to the weight of moment arm314, or any other weight means used, pulling down on main cable 302.

FIG. 44 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 inthe neutral or resting position and provides greater detail of slide 392and bearing 391. FIG. 45 is a side perspective view in greater detail ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 43 in the neutral or resting position andprovides greater detail of main cable 302 and the connection betweenouter end 16D of handle 16 and cable attachment 313.

For operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-49, the user U graspshandle 16 and either pushes handle 16 forward in a first pushingdirection or pulls handle 16 backward in a second pulling direction suchthat handle 16 and movable console 212 slides forward in a pushingmotion or backwards in a pulling motion, respectively, along slide 392.For example, when user U pushes on handle 16, handle 16 and movableconsole 212 slide forward along slide 392, and when user U pulls onhandle 16, handle 16 and movable console 212 slide backwards along slide392. Concurrently, user U can be walking, jogging, or running forwardsor backward on treadmill belt 20.

FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 inthe pushing position. When user U pushes handle 16 forwards in thepushing direction, handle 16, outer end 16D, bearing 391, and cableattachment means 402 slide forward along slide 392, pulling main cable302. Main cable 302 interacts with and is guided by the forwardmost ofdirectional pulleys 304AF and directional pulley 304B and lifts momentarm 314, thus imparting weight resistance through movable console 212 touser U. Main cable 302 also can contact or engage the rearwardmost ofdirectional pulleys 304AR as directional pulleys 304AF, 304AR can bestructured or configured to cooperate with each other and with maincable 302 during all movements of main cable 302. As long as user U ispushing movable console 212 forwards such that movable console 212 isnot in the neutral position, moment arm 314 will be raised and willimpart an approximately constant and static counterforce to the movableconsole 212 and thus to the user U, irrespective of the distance forwardthe movable console 212 is pushed. When user U releases handle 16, orreduces pushing force on handle 16, the weight resistance created byweight 316 will cause movable console 212 to return to the neutral orresting position shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 47 is a side perspective view in greater detail of the embodimentshown in FIG. 43 in the pushing position and provides greater detail ofmain cable 302 and the connection between outer end 16D of handle 16 andcable attachment 313. Moment arm 314 also is shown with weight 316 in aposition providing a greater moment, and therefore a greater weightresistance, compared to the position of weight 316 shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 48 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 inthe pulling position. When user U pulls handle 16 backwards in thepulling direction, handle 16, outer end 16D, bearing 391, and cableattachment means 402 slide backwards along slide 392, pulling main cable302. Main cable 302 interacts with and is guided by both therearwardmost directional pulley 304AR, the forwardmost directionalpulley 304AF, and directional pulley 304B and lifts moment arm 314, thusimparting weight resistance through movable console 212 to user U. Maincable 302 can contact or engage the forwardmost of directional pulleys304AF as directional pulleys 304AF, 304AR can be structured orconfigured to cooperate with each other and with main cable 302 duringall movements of main cable 302. As long as user U is pulling movableconsole 212 backwards such that movable console 212 is not in theneutral position, moment arm 314 will be raised and will impart anapproximately constant and static counterforce to the movable console212 and thus to the user U, irrespective of the distance backwards themovable console 212 is pulled. When user U releases handle 16, orreduces pulling force on handle 16, the weight resistance created byweight 316 will cause movable console 212 to return to the neutral orresting position shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 49 is a side perspective view in greater detail of the embodimentshown in FIG. 43 in the pulling position and provides greater detail ofmain cable 302 and the path of main cable 302 between outer end 16D ofhandle 16 or of cable attachment means 402 and cable attachment 313.Moment arm 314 also is shown with weight 316 in a position providing agreater moment, and therefore a greater weight resistance, compared tothe position of weight 316 shown in FIG. 43.

The configuration of outer end 16D, cable attachment means 402, maincable 302, directional pulleys 304AF, 304AR, 304B, cable attachment 313,and moment arm 314 allows resistance mechanism 314 to be raised andlowered in a mechanically simple manner when handle 16 is either pushedor pulled. As disclosed in connection with FIG. 46 and FIG. 48, pushingor pulling handle 16 causes main cable 302 to interact with either orboth of forwardmost directional pulley 304AF or rearwardmost directionalpulley 304AR, and then to interact with directional pulley 304B andmoment arm 314 irrespective of with which directional pulley 304AF,304AR or both it is interacting. Similarly, this configuration allowsfor the return of movable console 212 to the neutral or resting positionwhen user U removes or reduces force on movable console 212 irrespectiveof whether it is a pushing or a pulling force. As can be seen in acomparison of FIG. 47 and FIG. 49, when handle 16 is pushed in thepushing direction, main cable 302 need only interact with directionalpulley 304AF and directional pulley 304B, while when handle 16 is pulledin the pulling direction, main cable 302 can interact with directionalpulleys 304AF, 304AR and directional pulley 340B.

In an alternate embodiment, bearing 391 and slide 392 can be augmentedwith a horizontal belt and pulley system (not shown) with handle beingattached to the upper or lower run of the belt and with main cable 302being attached to, for example, the lower run of the belt. Moving themovable console would cause the belt to rotate about the pulleys,pulling main cable 302 along with it. Main cable 302 in this alternateembodiment still can then cooperate with directional pulleys 304AF,304AR, 304B in the same manner as disclosed in connection with thebearing 391 and slide 292 embodiment. In another alternate embodiment,bearing 391 and slide 392 can be augmented with a vertical lever (notshown) with handle 16 being attached to the upper end of the lever andwith main cable 302 being attached to the lower end of the lever. Movingthe movable console would cause the lever to pivot and the lower end ofthe lever to move, pulling main cable 302 along with it. Main cable 302in this alternate embodiment still can then cooperate with directionalpulleys 304AF, 304AR, 304B in the same manner as disclosed in connectionwith the bearing 391 and slide 292 embodiment.

In an embodiment in which the movable surface can incline separatelyfrom the console support structure 200, such as the treadmill lower base12 and/or endless belt 20 and/or belt platform 34 inclining separatelyfrom the console support structure 200, slide 392 remains horizontal orapproximately horizontal, that is parallel to the ground or floor,rather than parallel to or approximately parallel to the now inclined orinclining movable surface, and the movable console 212 slides alongslide 392 parallel to or approximately parallel to the ground or floor.

The embodiment of FIGS. 43-49 allows for a direct cable connection tomoment arm 314 without the need for lifting pulley 308 or secondarycable 326 (see FIGS. 1-3). However, a lifting pulley 308 and secondarycable 326 can be used if desired to step down the effect of handle 16. Aconsole locking pin 398 can be used to lock the movable console 212 inthe neutral or resting position (see FIG. 23).

Treadmill 10 utilizes a known microprocessor (not shown) or othersuitable electronic controller to control and operate the variousfeatures of the invention. FIG. 50 shows an illustrative faceplate formovable console 212 providing for the control of the various features ofthe invention. For example, the speed of belt 20, can be controlled bythe microprocessor or other suitable electronic controller. The speed isadjustable from controls on pushing and pulling means 16 or console 212making it possible to vary the speed of belt 20 during the exerciseregimen. Further, the inclination of belt 20 also can be controlled bythe microprocessor or other suitable electronic controller. For example,as shown in FIG. 2A, the inclination of the base 12, and thus thetreadmill 10 can be illustrated by a simple incline mechanism in which alever leg 36 is rotated by an incline motor to raise and lower base 12.Actuation of the incline motor causes the rotation of lever leg 36 inthe desired direction, thus raising or lowering base 21 and beltplatform 34, thus causing the decline or incline, respectively, of beltplatform 34. The degree of inclination chosen by user U is adjustablefrom controls on pushing and pulling means 16 or console 212 making itpossible to vary the inclination of belt 20 during the exercise regimen.

Additionally connected to the microprocessor or other suitableelectronic controller are the various display and other elements of thepushing and pulling means 16 and the console 212. For the sake ofsimplicity, the signals are transmitted to and from the microprocessoror other suitable electronic controller to the pushing and pulling means16 and console 212, and are operatively connected to switches, dials, etcetera on the pushing and pulling means 16 and console 212 and thespecific elements, such as belt motor, incline motor, and moment armresistance mechanism 300. Again, the use of this type of microprocessoror other suitable electronic controller is well known in the treadmillart.

The invention also can comprise additional optional features. Forexample, the invention can comprise a safety mechanism to prevent user Ufrom inadvertently speeding up the movement of belt 20, and fromspeeding up the movement of belt 20 to a speed faster than what isinputted. In other words, treadmill 10 can further comprise a means forpreventing belt 20 from running out from under user U should either userU move too fast relative to belt 20 or belt 20 move too fast relative touser U. This also would help prevent the force of user's U foot plantfrom undesirably increasing the speed of belt 20. Clutches attached tobelt 20 or electronic motor controllers can be used, among other knownmechanisms. For another example, step offs optionally can be located onthe sides and ends of the base 12 and can be a substantial width toallow for a wider platform for user U to step onto or step off oftreadmill 10. Side rails and kill switches also can be used. Heart ratemonitors can be used, and the microprocessor, or other suitableelectronic controllers, can be configured to allow for heart ratemonitoring and for the adjustment of belt 20 speed and incline and thelevel of weight resistance to maintain a desired heart rate.

In stark contrast to known treadmills, the present inventionaccomplishes a different exercise regimen than an aerobic walking orrunning workout. The use of a resistance mechanism 300 for simulatingthe pushing and pulling of a load in combination with a walking orrunning motion, and the ability to switch back and forth between apushing regimen and a pulling regimen during the same exercise session,provides a more complex exercise regimen. It has been found that thecombination of walking or running in conjunction with the simulation ofthe pushing or pulling of a load provides a useful aerobic and/oranaerobic work out and can strengthen various muscles and muscle groups,specifically leg muscles and the gluteus maximus and also possibly arm,chest, shoulder and back muscles.

Other alternatives and embodiments can comprise one or more of thefollowing features. The treadmill drive motor assembly and inclineassembly can be positioned at either end, or in the middle, of the base.The belt platform can incline and decline in both directions, providingincline or decline resistance for both conventional treadmill operationand for reverse treadmill operation. Additionally, the invention canhave more common features including the ability to incline and declineat various or continuous degree settings and a belt that moves atvarious or continuous speeds. Alternative resistance adjusting drivesand motors can include electromagnets, mechanical levers, and the like.

In normal operation, user U will step onto belt 20 and grasp pushing andpulling means 16, positioning himself or herself generally centrally onbelt 20 so as to face console 212. As belt 20 begins to move, user Uwill start a forward walking or running motion in the direction of thefront of treadmill 10, or a backward walking or running motion in thedirection of the rear of the treadmill 10, depending on the regimenselected, pushing or pulling, respectively, with belt 20 movingaccordingly, such that user U can remain generally in the same positioncentrally on belt 20 relative to belt platform 34, or can move forwardsor backwards on belt 20 relative to belt platform 34, as treadmill 10 isoperating depending on the regimen selected. Alternatively, treadmill 10may be set up to begin to move automatically at a speed according to avalue entered from pushing and pulling means 16 or console 212. The paceof the walking or running motion may be increased or decreased dependingupon the speed of belt 20. The speed of belt 20 can be controlled by theadjustment of the controls on pushing and pulling means 16 or console212, along with the adjustment of the inclination of treadmill 10 andother functions and features. Alternatively, belt 20 can be in a manualmode, moving only when the user U imparts a force against belt 20sufficient to cause the movement of belt 20 on belt platform 34.

Belt 20 also can comprise two belts, one for each foot, as analternative. The user U pushes on pushing and pulling means 16, which aspreviously disclosed actuates resistance mechanism 300. User U canadjust the amount or level of resistance, either prior to stepping onthe machine or during the exercise routine itself while user U iscarrying out the pushing or pulling motion, and can proceed to enjoyinga pushing or pulling exercise regimen.

The resistance mechanism can be set by the user U to a specific amount,such as for example 10 kilograms, comparable to known resistancemechanism such as weight stacks. Thus, when user U pushes or pulls onand moves the pushing and pulling means 16, resistance mechanism 300exerts a counterforce on user U of the set weight, 10 kilograms in thisexample, or other measure of resistance. The counterforce is static andapproximately constant at the set resistance level throughout the entirerange of movement of the pushing and pulling means 16, except in someembodiments at the very start of the range of motion when resistancemechanism 300 is resting on a stop. That is, resistance mechanism 300exerts a counterforce on user U of the set resistance level, 10kilograms in this example, whether user U has pushed or pulled and movedthe pushing and pulling means 16 a smaller or larger distance, and thisset resistance level is static and approximately constant, at 10kilograms in this example, unless resistance mechanism 300 is reset to adifferent amount. Thus, the degree of resistance of resistance mechanism300 can be controlled by user U to simulate pushing or pulling a weightsuch that the exercise regimen is similar to walking or running forwards(or backwards) while pushing (or pulling) an object of a weightcomparable to the setting of resistance mechanism 300. The higher thesetting of resistance mechanism 300, the greater the force acting onpushing and pulling means 16, and the heavier the simulated object beingpushed (or pulled). The degree of resistance also is adjustable in thatuser U can set the specific amount of resistance to any amount withinthe parameters of resistance mechanism 300 structure prior to and duringthe exercise regimen, depending on the embodiment of the invention.

In preferred embodiments, the resistance mechanism is a moment armresistance mechanism 300 comprising modified moment arm 314, adjustableweight 316, and drive mechanism 318, 324 for moving adjustable weight316 relative to or along moment arm 314. As adjustable weight 316 isadjusted along moment arm 314 relative to pivot point 252 of moment arm314, the weight resistance of moment arm 314 is increased or decreased,thus simulating the pushing (or pulling) of various or varying loadweights. Moment arm 314 is operatively connected to pushing and pullingmeans 16 via main cable 302, thus transferring the weight resistanceeffect to user U. Thus, when user U pushes on pushing and pulling means16 so as to activate moment arm 314, moment arm 314 creates anapproximately constant and static counterforce equivalent to thespecific weight amount set by user U.

Thus, in a simple form the invention is an exercise machine forsimulating a pushing or pulling action comprising an endless movablesurface looped around rollers or pulleys to form an upper run and alower run, the movable surface being rotated when one of the rollers orpulleys is rotated, thereby creating an exercise surface for walking orrunning, the improvement comprising (a) a constant, adjustable, onedirectional resistance means that produces a load or force forsimulating a pushing or pulling action and (b) one or more handle(s)that is/are operatively attached to the resistance means that the usercan grasp and push or pull so as to move handle(s) in a pushing orpulling direction while walking or running forwards or backwards on thetreadmill to simulate the pushing or pulling action, wherein the momentarm weight resistance mechanism is located preferably and generallybetween the two uprights of the console support structure and ispivotally attached at a first end to a first of the uprights and ispivotally acted upon at a second end proximal to the second of theuprights.

The endless movable surface also can be operable as a conventionalwalking or running treadmill. The exercise machine also can comprise agrade or elevation adjustment mechanism for adjusting the walking orrunning surface between various incline, flat and decline positions.

The resistance means can be produced by any of the following means:leverage, moment arm or cantilevered members coupled with one or moresolid, semi-solid or liquid filled mass(s); electric motors, electronicor eddy current brakes; one or more metal or other solid mass weights;pneumatics or hydraulics; various types of springs, friction members,flexible rods, tension devices, or the like; and any combinationthereof.

The console and/or pushing and pulling means can comprise controls formanipulating the various functions of the machine by the user such asbut not limited to: the direction of travel of the walking/runningsurface, the speed of the walking/running surface, the grade orelevation of the walking/running surface, the amount of force of theresistance system applied to the pushing and pulling means, andinformational data useful to the user. The machine function controls andinformational data also may be contained on one or more stationaryhousing(s) on any part of the fixed frame.

The exercise machine of the present invention can simulate a pushingaction by the following illustrative method:

a) A user steps onto a moveable endless surface looped around rollers oneither end as with known treadmills and grasps the pushing and pullingmeans that is/are operatively connected to a resistance means thatproduces a constant, adjustable, one directional resistance against thepushing and pulling means;b) The user manipulates the controls of the machine such that theendless moveable surface moves in the direction opposite to that theuser is facing causing the user to walk or run in a forwards direction;c) While walking or running forwards, the user pushes on the pushing andpulling means so as to move the pushing and pulling means in a pushingdirection, which in turn actuates the resistance means, which imparts aconstant, adjustable one directional resistance on the pushing andpulling means in a direction towards the user, that is, in a directionopposite the force of the resistance on the pushing and pulling means;d) While continuing to walk or run forwards, the user then either canhold the pushing and pulling means, and thus the console, in a fixedposition anywhere in the moveable range of motion of the pushing andpulling means to simulate a pushing action or can push on and releasethe force against the pushing and pulling means to produce a pushingaction, which actuates the resistance mechanism, for the duration of theexercise period; ande) Throughout the duration of the exercise period, the user canmanipulate all functions and informational data of the machine viacontrols contained on the pushing and pulling means and or mounted on astationary portion of the frame of the machine.

The exercise machine of the present invention can simulate a pullingaction by the following illustrative method:

a) A user steps onto a moveable endless surface looped around rollers oneither end as with known treadmills and grasps pushing and pulling meansthat is/are operatively connected to a resistance means that produces aconstant, adjustable, one directional resistance against the pushing andpulling means;b) The user manipulates the controls of the machine such that theendless moveable surface moves in the direction the same as that theuser is facing causing the user to walk or run in a backwards direction;c) While walking or running backwards, the user pulls on the pushing andpulling means so as to move the pushing and pulling means in a pullingdirection, which in turn actuates the resistance means, which imparts aconstant, adjustable one directional resistance on the pushing andpulling means in a direction away from the user, that is, in a directionthe same as the force of the resistance on the pushing and pullingmeans;d) While continuing to walk or run backwards, the user then either canhold the pushing and pulling means, and thus the console, in a fixedposition anywhere in the moveable range of motion of the pushing andpulling means to simulate a pulling action or can pull on and releasethe force against the pushing and pulling means to produce a pullingaction, which actuates the resistance mechanism, for the duration of theexercise period; ande) Throughout the duration of the exercise period, the user canmanipulate all functions and informational data of the machine viacontrols contained on the pushing and pulling means and or mounted on astationary portion of the frame of the machine.

While the invention has been described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the spirit or scopeof the invention to the particular forms set forth, but is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims.

1. An exercise treadmill of the type having a movable surface forwalking or running while exercising, comprising: a) a resistancemechanism for providing a resistance for simulating the pushing orpulling of a load, wherein the resistance can be adjusted and set to aspecific resistance setting; b) a movable console operatively attachedto the resistance mechanism, the movable console being movable in afirst pushing direction and in a second pulling direction, wherebymovement of the movable console in both the first pushing direction andthe second pulling direction actuates the resistance mechanism; and c) asupport structure for supporting the movable console, wherein themovable console is movable relative to the support structure, whereinthe movable surface moves in a direction simulating walking or runningforwards and backwards, and wherein the resistance mechanism exerts anapproximately constant and static counterforce to the movable consolegenerally only in the same direction as the movable surface is movingand opposite a direction of the movable console, whereby operation ofthe treadmill simulates the pushing or pulling of a load by acombination of (i) pushing or pulling the movable console in the firstpushing direction or the second pulling direction, respectively, toactuate the resistance mechanism to simulate the load and (ii) thewalking or running forward or backward on the movable surface, toprovide the pushing or pulling action, respectively.
 2. The exercisetreadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counterforce is static andapproximately constant at a set resistance level throughout an entirerange of movement of the movable console.
 3. The exercise treadmill asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the resistance mechanism can be set to achosen resistance level that is adjustable for providing resistance onlyagainst the first pushing direction or the second pulling direction. 4.The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 1, further comprising aninclination mechanism to permit inclination of the exercise surface tosimulate an incline or decline.
 5. The exercise treadmill as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising a console support structure, wherein themovable console is operatively connected to the resistance mechanism viathe console support structure.
 6. The exercise treadmill as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the movable console rests in a neutral position unlessand until acted upon by the pushing or pulling of the movable console.7. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 6, wherein the resistancemechanism is unactuated when the movable console is in the neutralposition.
 8. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 5, wherein themovable console is operatively connected to the resistance mechanism viaa cable.
 9. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein themovable console is movable both in a forward and in a backward directionrelative to the direction of motion of the endless belt.
 10. Theexercise treadmill as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable console ismovable between the neutral position and a fully extended position inthe first pushing direction and between the neutral position and a fullyextended position in the second pulling direction, and can be maintainedat any position between the at rest position and either of the fullyextended positions.
 11. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 9,wherein at least a portion of the moment arm weight resistance means ispivotable about the pivot point.
 12. The exercise treadmill as claimedin claim 5, wherein the movable console is slidable.
 13. The exercisetreadmill as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a console armextending from the console support structure, the console arm comprisinga slide, wherein the movable console is slidable along the slide. 14.The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim 13, wherein the slide isapproximately horizontal and the movable console slides approximatelyhorizontally along the slide.
 15. The exercise treadmill as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the slide is approximately parallel to the movablesurface and the movable console slides along the slide approximatelyparallel to the movable surface.
 16. The exercise treadmill as claimedin claim 1, wherein the resistance mechanism does not directly cooperatewith the movable surface.
 17. The exercise treadmill as claimed in claim1, wherein the resistance mechanism is a moment arm weight resistancemeans comprising: a) a cantilevered moment arm pivotally attached to anupright at a pivot point; b) an adjustable weight attached to the momentarm; and c) a weight adjusting drive for adjusting the adjustable weightalong the moment arm, wherein the position of the adjustable weightalong the moment arm creates a moment about the pivot point.
 18. Theexercise treadmill as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: c) a belt,the movable surface comprising the belt; and d) a motor for moving thebelt, wherein the movable surface is moved by the motor in a directionsimulating walking or running forwards and backwards, whereby operationof the treadmill simulates the pushing or pulling of a load by acombination of (i) pushing or pulling the movable console in the firstpushing direction or the second pulling direction to actuate theresistance mechanism to simulate the load and (ii) the walking orrunning forward or backward on the movable surface, as the movablesurface is being moved by the motor, to provide the pushing or pullingaction, respectively.
 19. An exercise method simulating the pushing orpulling of a load, comprising the steps of: a) stepping onto a movablesurface for walking or running while exercising; b) grasping a movableconsole operatively connected to a resistance mechanism and adjustingthe resistance mechanism to a chosen resistance level; c) pushing orpulling and moving the movable console, wherein moving the movableconsole in a pushing direction actuates the resistance mechanism so asto provide resistance generally only opposite a pushing direction forsimulating the pushing of a load, and moving the movable console in apulling direction actuates the resistance mechanism so as to provideresistance generally only opposite a pulling direction for simulatingthe pulling of a load; and d) walking or running in a forward motion onthe movable surface while pushing on the movable console or walking orrunning in a rearward motion on the movable surface while pulling on themovable console, wherein the resistance mechanism applies anapproximately constant and static counterforce to the movable consolegenerally only in the same direction as the movable surface moves andopposite the pushing or pulling direction, whereby the moving of themovable console in the pushing or pulling direction causes the actuationof the resistance mechanism, thus simulating the pushing or pulling,respectively, of a load by a combination of the actuation of theresistance mechanism to simulate the load and walking or runningforwards or rearwards on the movable surface, to provide the pushing orpulling, respectively, action.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 19,wherein when the user pushes or pulls on and moves the movable console,the resistance mechanism exerts the counterforce on the user of a setresistance level, and wherein the counterforce is static and constant atthe set resistance level throughout an entire range of movement of themovable console.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 19, furthercomprising: (i) using a motor to move the movable surface; and (ii)walking or running in a forward motion on the movable surface as themovable surface is being moved by the motor while pushing on the movableconsole or walking or running in a rearward motion on the movablesurface as the movable surface is being moved by the motor while pullingon the movable console, whereby the moving of the movable console in thepushing or pulling direction causes the actuation of the resistancemechanism, thus simulating the pushing or pulling of a load by acombination of the actuation of the resistance mechanism to simulate theload and walking or running forwards or rearwards on the movablesurface, as the movable surface is being moved by the motor, to providethe pushing or pulling, respectively, action.